Device For Massaging Products

ABSTRACT

A device for treating products, in particular massaging meat products, comprises at least one treatment section with a space for receiving the products. Said space comprises a treatment device for treating the products. A discharge device is provided for discharging the products from the space of the treatment section. The discharge device can be brought into an active and an inactive operating state with the aid of an actuating device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of PCT/NL02/00473 filed Jul. 15,2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. Priority is claimedfrom The Netherlands Patent Application No. 1,018,541 filed Jul. 13,2001, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for treating products, in particularmassaging meat products, comprising: at least one treatment sectionhaving a space for accommodating the products, which space comprisestreatment means for treating the products; and discharge means fordischarging the products from the treatment section. In this context,the term “massaging” is understood as meaning: subjecting products tomechanical influences and/or applying or introducing additives to orinto products subjected to mechanical influences.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

A device of this type is known, for example, from German PatentApplication No. 19,614,368. This device comprises a rotatable,essentially cylindrical drum with carrier profiles and arms havingscoop-shaped ends. A curved discharge gutter is fixedly attached to thedrum and always active during operation of the device.

Another known device is disclosed in The Netherlands Patent ApplicationNo. 9,201,490. This device comprises a substantially cylindrical orconical drum, the longitudinal axis of which is positioned horizontallyor at an angle to the horizontal. In its interior, the drum has amassaging surface with a star-shaped cross section. Furthermore, guidemeans, comprising a helical plate element which is mounted around anaxis of rotation and the outer edge of which is complementary to themassaging surface, are arranged in the drum, substantially inside themassaging surface.

When the device is being used, at least the massaging surface and theguide means are rotated about the longitudinal axis of the drum, whichmay but does not necessarily also rotate, and meat products which are tobe massaged are successively fed to the drum at a feed end thereof. Inthe drum, the meat products slide over the tops of the star-shapedmassaging surface and over one another, so that the structure of themeat products is changed and, for example, proteins are released fromthe meat. In addition, a massaging substance which is already present orhas been added to the drum, such as a gas, liquid or a granular orpulverulent solid, or any desired mixture of two or more of thesecomponents, can be successfully distributed to and/or taken up by eachmeat product as a result of the massaging. The guide means guide themeat products from the feed end of the drum to an opposite dischargeend, where the treated meat products leave the drum. The result is acontinuously operating device.

A drawback of the device according to The Netherlands Patent ApplicationNo. 9,201,490 is that it lacks flexibility. The residence time of theproducts in the device is substantially fixed for a fixed rotationalspeed of the massaging surface and the guide means, and consequentlydifferent devices are required for products which require differentresidence times. This is because changing the rotational speed in orderto change the residence time generally does not result in the desiredproduct properties, since this also causes the mechanical loads on theproducts as they pass through the device to change. Therefore, thecapacity is linked to the intensity of the treatment. Consequently, along residence time will require a long drum, while a short residencetime leads to a drum of limited length. Another drawback of the knowndevice is that only one type of massaging treatment, i.e. a definedmechanical load on the products which are to be massaged at a definedtemperature, with a defined massaging substance and a defined residencetime is possible in this device, so that in the case of products whichhave to be subjected to different massaging treatments, it is necessaryfor a plurality of devices to be positioned in succession.

A further drawback is that the massaging substance does not remain at adefined portion of supplied products, but rather comes into contact withall products which are moving past, with the result that there is a riskof cross-contamination.

Another disadvantage is that in particular small products can easily bedamaged as a result of a part thereof passing into the gap between thehelical plate element and the massaging surface.

Yet another drawback of the known device is that it is difficult tomaintain and clean, since the possibilities of access to all parts ofthe interior of the drum are limited. When the helical plate element isremoved from the drum for maintenance or cleaning, a working space isneeded which is at least twice as large as the drum.

A further drawback is that the design of the known device requires alarge amount of material in relation to the throughput which isachieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a device, more particularlya massaging device, in which products can be treated in a flexiblemanner without the design of the device having to be changed. A furtherobject of the invention is to prevent or at least reduce the risk ofcross-contamination. Yet another object of the invention is to preventdamage to in particular small products in the treatment device. Anotherobject of the invention is to significantly improve the possibilitiesfor maintenance and cleaning of the treatment device.

To achieve one or more of these objects, the device according to theinvention comprises discharge means which can be moved into an activeand an inactive operating state. This measure makes it possible toadjust the residence time of the products in a treatment section asdesired by moving the products into the treatment section when thedischarge means are in an inactive operating state and moving thedischarge means into an active operating state at the end of the desiredresidence time. This creates considerable flexibility with regard to useof the device for a wide range of products and applications. A modularstructure becomes possible, since the dimensions of the drum do notdetermine for example the residence time any more, contrary to the priorart.

If a product is to undergo a plurality of different treatments, it ispossible for various treatment sections to be arranged in succession,the discharge means in each case discharging the products to asubsequent treatment section. The products can undergo just a mechanicaltreatment per treatment section, and in addition a selected massagingsubstance may be supplied in an appropriate quantity. Obviously, it isalso possible to carry out substantially the same type of treatment indifferent treatment sections, in which case the total treatment time ofa product is the sum of the treatment times in the respective treatmentsections. In this way, the capacity of the device can be varied.

To prevent massaging substance from leaking or splashing or escaping insome other way from a treatment section, it is possible to provideauxiliary means which, for example, seal the treatment section, limitthe agitation of a liquid or granular or pulverulent substance locatedtherein, guide or distribute products, or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the discharge means can be moved between anactive and an inactive position with the aid of an actuating device. Foroptimum flexible operation, it is preferable for each treatment sectionto be provided with its own actuating device. However, for simpleoperation it is also possible to opt for the use of an actuating devicewhich is common to a plurality of treatment sections.

In a simple, inexpensive and reliable preferred embodiment, theactuating device comprises a rod which can be actuated from outside thedevice or a cam track mechanism. In another preferred embodiment, whichis easy to control and reset, the actuating device comprises apiston-cylinder unit which makes it easy to achieve individual actuationfor each treatment section.

The actuating device is preferably designed to generate a controlsignal, for example, a release signal which indicates that the treatmentsection has been emptied and is ready to receive products, after thedischarge means of the treatment section have been moved into the activeposition. A feature of this type allows the treatment device to interactwith a portioning device which is positioned upstream of it and does notfeed a portion of products to the (first) treatment section until afterthe treatment section has emitted the required release signal. If thedevice comprises at least two treatment sections which the products areto pass through in succession, the actuating device is preferablydesigned to move the discharge means of the second treatment sectioninto an active position in order for the second treatment section to beemptied before moving the discharge means of the first treatment sectioninto the active position thereof. This prevents the products from thefirst treatment section from coming into contact with the products fromthe second treatment section, and consequently the treatments in thetreatment sections do not interfere with one another. However, when thedischarge means are adapted to discharge the products situated in thesecond treatment section separated from the products entering the secondtreatment section, then the actuating device of the massaging devicepreferably is designed to bring the discharge means of the first and thesecond treatment section into an active position for emptying the firstand the second treatment section.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the treatment means comprise atleast one massaging element, the discharge means interacting with the atleast one massaging element in order to reach the active and theinactive position.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, thetreatment means are designed to be set in motion with the aid of adrive. For each treatment section, for the corresponding treatment meansit is possible to provide an associated, separate drive, but it is alsopossible to provide a drive which drives the treatment means of aplurality of treatment sections simultaneously. In particular, the driveis such that the movement of the various treatment means of thedifferent treatment sections can be set differently if desired,resulting in a very flexible massaging device.

The treatment means of the at least one treatment section of the deviceaccording to the invention are preferably designed to be rotated. Thedevice according to the invention advantageously comprises at least twotreatment sections, the different treatment means of the differenttreatment sections having a common bearing. For enabling the products aneasy access to the treatment means, the bearing comprises a ring, aplurality of wheels coupled to the treatment means being movable alongthe circumference of the ring. The ring forms an effective accessopening. The various treatment means of the various treatment sectionscan in particular be mounted on the same shaft, so that the device caneasily be adapted for different use by adding or removing treatmentsections to or from the bearing or shaft.

This also simplifies maintenance, assembly/dismantling and cleaning ofthe device. For a simple structure, the rotation of the treatment meanspreferably takes place relative to an essentially horizontally axis ofrotation.

The treatment means preferably comprise at least one surface which isoriented at an angle to the direction of movement thereof. Moreparticularly, the treatment means of a moveable, in particularrotatable, treatment section comprise a number of surfaces which are atan angle to one another and, as seen in cross section, form one or morepreferably inwardly directed points. The products which are to betreated are carried along by moving points and then drop off them again.Adjusting the movement of the treatment section is responsible fordetermining the duration, nature and intensity of the mechanical loadexerted on the products, which parameters are associated with the degreeof filling of the treatment section, the movement patterns (which maychange during the treatment) of the products, the distance covered bythe products and the properties (which may change during the treatment)of the products, such as their stickiness. The movement of the varioustreatment sections can be set differently, so that products which arefed in succession to the various treatment sections undergo differenttreatments therein. On the other hand, a different treatment for eachtreatment section can also be obtained with the same movement oftreatment sections with different internal structures.

In a preferred embodiment, the vertex angle of the points is at leastapprox. 45° C., and the points are arranged at a distance from oneanother. If the points are formed asymmetrically, movements of thepoints in different directions (for example opposite directions ofrotation of a rotating treatment section) result in different mechanicalloads being applied to the products. The dimensions, shape and vertexangle of the points may differ in one treatment section or betweentreatment sections.

In a preferred embodiment, the surfaces are integral with a wall of thetreatment section, with the result that a simple manufacture of the wallfrom one or a few pieces of plate material is possible. In anadvantageous embodiment, such a wall is at least partially detachablefor a facilitated access to the interior of the treatment section formaintenance and cleaning.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one surface of the treatmentmeans is movable along a stationary wall of the treatment section. Here,the surface may be part of a paddle. An edge of the at least onesurface, the edge facing the wall, may be at a distance from the wall,the distance being zero or more than zero. In practice, the distance isselected such that a gap is created through which products cannot pass,but through which a massaging substance may pass. In an embodiment theat least one surface is hingable, the hinge axis being essentiallyparallel to said axis of rotation. Thus, said edge can be kept incontact with the stationary wall continuously. For this purpose, atleast one spring member for driving the at least one surface to apredetermined hinge position.

In a preferred embodiment, the treatment means comprisemassaging-substance feed means arranged in the space of the treatmentsection, for direct contact between the substance which is to besupplied by means of the massaging-substance feed means and theproducts. The quantity of massaging substance which is to be supplied ina treatment section is selected on the basis of the number and (currentand future) properties of the products which are to be treated.

In another preferred embodiment, a peripheral wall of the space oftreatment section is provided with perforations, a chamber, which isopen at least on the side of peripheral wall, being formed outside thespace, adjacent to the peripheral wall, in order to supply or dischargea treatment medium to or from the space via the perforations. It is thuspossible, in a particularly simple manner, to achieve a treatment ofproducts, in which case the perforations can ensure that the treatmentmedium is distributed through the space of the treatment section whilethe treatment medium is being supplied.

In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment means comprise meansfor the transfer of heat via a peripheral wall of the space of thetreatment section. In this way, for certain products a direct contactbetween a heat or refrigeration source or a medium which releases heator cold, on the one hand, and the products, on the other hand, can beavoided.

In a preferred embodiment, the treatment means comprise needles whichproject into the space of the treatment section and by means of whichthe surface of products can be treated, and the region below thesurface, in which case it is possible both to apply exclusivelymechanical changes to the product and to inject a treatment medium, ifthe needles are designed for this purpose. In a flexible preferredembodiment, in which the action of the needles can be varied, theneedles can be moved in a controllable manner in their longitudinaldirection.

In a preferred embodiment, the treatment section comprises a rotatabledrum which defines said space.

In another preferred embodiment, the treatment means comprise a seriesof blades which are arranged in the space and are active in cuttingproducts in the space in the direction of rotation. The treatment meansmay also comprise a rotatable roller which is arranged in the space andthe axis of rotation of which is parallel to the axis of rotation of thedrum, which roller acts to massage deformable products. The roller ispreferably provided with grooves on its outer surface.

The discharge means preferably comprise a gutter, the outlet end ofwhich is located outside the treatment section. The gutter collectsproducts located in a treatment section, after which they are dischargedvia the discharge end of the gutter.

Preferably, the discharge means are designed, in their active operatingstate, to discharge both the products and the liquid and/or solidmassaging substance located in the corresponding treatment section, withthe result that the massaging substance and the products remaintogether, so that the risk of bacterial and/or chemicalcross-contamination is minimal.

In another preferred embodiment, the discharge means are designed, intheir active operating state, to discharge the products and to returnthe liquid and/or solid massaging substance located in the correspondingtreatment section to this treatment section, in particular as a resultof the discharge means being provided with perforations. This preventsmassaging substance which has not adhered to products from being removedfrom the treatment section.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of a surface of the space ofeach treatment section is provided with a profile, such as ribs orpointed projections, in order for the surface to entrain the products.

The treatment(s) carried out in the device according to the inventionmay be combined with an excess-pressure, vacuum, piercing, cooking,steaming, cooling and/or gas treatment by providing suitable features,which are known per se, in the device for this purpose. Furthermore, apowder-coating unit may be incorporated in a treatment section.

The claims and advantages will be more readily appreciated as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription and considered in connection with the accompanying drawingsin which like reference symbols designate like parts, or parts with thesame or similar function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a massaging device according to theinvention, arranged in line for the processing of products;

FIG. 1 a shows a diagrammatic cross section through a treatment section;

FIG. 1 b shows a diagrammatic cross section through another treatmentsection;

FIG. 1 c shows a perspective view of a treatment section with movablemassaging elements;

FIG. 1 d shows a perspective view of a treatment section with removablemassaging elements;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the massaging device shown in FIG. 1in a different operating state;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a part of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show perspective views of the action of the firstdischarge means in the device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 c shows a perspective, diagrammatic illustration of a treatmentsection with an alternative embodiment of the first discharge means;

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show perspective views of the operation of a seconddischarge means in the device according to the invention;

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show perspective views of the operation of a thirddischarge means in the device according to the invention;

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b shows perspective views of the operation of a fourthdischarge means in the device according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows the massaging device illustrated in FIG. 1, with adiagrammatic illustration of a control for discharge means;

FIG. 9 a in perspective view shows some parts of an alternativemassaging device according to the invention;

FIG. 9 b in perspective view illustrates a drive of the massaging deviceaccording to FIG. 9 a, in closed condition;

FIG. 9 c in perspective view illustrates the massaging device accordingto FIG. 9 b, in open condition;

FIG. 9 d in perspective view illustrates another embodiment of themassaging device according to FIG. 9 c;

FIG. 9 e in perspective view shows the massaging device according toFIG. 9 d in another condition;

FIG. 10 a in a diagrammatical cross-section shows a part of themassaging device according to FIG. 9 a;

FIGS. 10 b and 10 c illustrate in more detail alternative embodiments ofthe part of the massaging device according to FIG. 10 a;

FIGS. 10 d, 10 e and 10 f in perspective view illustrate still otherembodiments of the part of the massaging device according to FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with treatment means;

FIG. 12 a shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with other treatment means;

FIG. 12 b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away alternativetreatment section for the treatment which has been illustrated inrelation to FIG. 12 a;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection for yet another treatment;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with means for yet another treatment;

FIG. 15 a shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with injection means;

FIG. 15 b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away alternativetreatment section with injection means;

FIG. 15 c shows a perspective view of another partially cut-awaytreatment section with injection means;

FIG. 15 d shows a perspective view of still another partially cut-awaytreatment section;

FIG. 15 e shows a perspective view of a detail of the treatment sectionaccording to FIG. 15 d;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with strip-cutting means;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with tenderizing means;

FIG. 18 a shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away treatmentsection with means for introducing a pulverulent or granular substanceinto the treatment section;

FIG. 18 b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away alternativetreatment section for performing the treatment which has beenillustrated in relation to FIG. 18 a;

FIG. 19 a shows a perspective view of another partially cut-awaytreatment section with means for introducing a pulverulent or granularsubstance into the treatment section;

FIG. 19 b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away alternativetreatment section for performing the treatment which has beenillustrated in relation to FIG. 19 a;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of another partially cut-away treatmentsection with means for introducing a pulverulent or granular substanceinto the treatment section;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of yet another partially cut-awaytreatment section with means for introducing a pulverulent or granularsubstance into the treatment section;

FIG. 22 shows a perspective illustration of the manual supply ofproducts to the massaging device;

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a meteringdevice for supplying products to the massaging device;

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a meteringdevice for supplying products to the massaging device;

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a meteringdevice for supplying products to the massaging device; and

FIG. 26 shows a graph illustrating the operation of the device accordingto the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a supply line 2 for starting products 6, in particular meatproducts, a massaging device 3 and a discharge line 4 for products 6 awhich have been treated by the massaging device 3. The supply line 2comprises a frame 10 which is arranged displaceably on legs 8 and inwhich there is a conveyor belt 12 or the like by means of which theproducts 6 can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow 14. At theend which faces the massaging device 3, the supply line 2 comprises agutter 16, by means of which products 6 which drop off the conveyor belt12 are fed into the massaging device 3.

The discharge line 4 comprises a frame 18, in which a belt conveyor 20or the like is arranged, by means of which the products 6 a released bythe massaging device 3 via a gutter 22 can be moved in the directionindicated by arrow 24 for a further processing operation. The supplyline 2 and the discharge line 4 do not form part of the device accordingto the invention.

The massaging device 3 comprises a frame which can be displaced onlockable castors 25 and has a pair of substantially C-shaped supports 26a, 26 b, which are connected to one another by means of a hollow shaft28. One or more rotatable treatment sections 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d aremounted on the shaft 28, each of these treatment sections having aU-shaped cross section and a structure which will be explained in moredetail with reference to the following Figures. The treatment sections30 a and 30 b are connected to one another, with a toothing 32 beingprovided between these treatment sections, in which toothing the teethof a gear wheel 36 connected to a drive motor 34 mesh in order to drivethe treatment sections 30 a and 30 b at one or more predeterminedspeeds, and in a predetermined direction, or alternately in oppositedirections. The drive motor 34 is connected to the support 26 a. In theembodiment shown, the treatment sections 30 a and 30 b are fixedlyconnected to the treatment sections 30 c and 30 d. However, it is alsopossible for the treatment sections 30 c and 30 d to be driveindependently of the treatment sections 30 a and 30 b, for which purposetoothing 38 is provided between the treatment sections 30 c and 30 d. Anassociated drive motor (not shown in more detail) may be arranged on thesupport 26 b. It will be clear that the treatment sections 30 a-30 d mayalso be set in rotary motion in other ways, and if appropriate eachseparately, independently of the other treatment sections, and ifappropriate in different directions, for example by means of a beltdrive or by means of a drive shaft which is positioned in the hollowshaft 28 in order to drive the various treatment sections, if desired atdifferent speeds and in different directions.

Instead or in addition to being mounted on the shaft 28, the treatmentsections may also be mounted, on their underside, on shafts or rollers,as shown in the publication NL-A-9201490.

Furthermore, it is possible for the treatment sections to bemechanically connected to one another and to be coupled at the ends—forexample via a disc or the like—to a shaft or bearing, whereby a centralshaft in the treatment sections can be avoided.

At least one treatment section is provided with treatment meanscomprising massaging means, which in this case comprise massagingelements 40 which are triangular in cross section and are distributedalong the periphery in the interior of each treatment section 30 a-30 d.The distribution of the massaging elements 40 along the periphery is notnecessarily evenly. It is also possible for there to be only onemassaging element 40 for each treatment section 30 a-30 d, or formassaging elements to be absent altogether if the treatment which is tobe carried out does not require massaging elements. The massagingelements 40 may also be shaped differently, for example with asemicircular cross section, or may have different dimensions.

FIG. 1 a illustrates the interior of a cylindrical treatment sectionwith six massaging elements 42 which are formed by surfaces which are atan angle α of 105° C. with respect to one another. The massagingelements 42 are arranged at a regular distance from one another, asurface 44 which extends between two successive massaging elements 42being oriented at an angle β of 112.5° with respect to the adjacentsurfaces of the massaging elements 42. When the treatment section isbeing used through rotation about the shaft 28, products are carried acertain distance upwards by the massaging elements 42, after which theproducts drop back onto one of the surfaces 44 or onto another massagingelement 42.

The massaging elements may also be formed asymmetrically, for example asindicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1 a. The result of this is that themechanical treatment of products when the massaging elements rotate inone direction differs from the mechanical treatment when the massagingelements rotate in the opposite direction.

FIG. 1 b illustrates the interior of a cylindrical treatment sectionwith twenty-four massaging elements 46 which are formed by surfaceswhich are at an angle γ of 90° with respect to one another. Two adjacentsurfaces of successive massaging elements 46 are oriented at an angle δof 75′ with respect to one another. When the treatment section shown inFIG. 1 b is in use products roll over successive massaging elements 46through rotation about the shaft 28.

As FIG. 1 c illustrates, detachable curved elongated plate-shaped parts45 may be provided at the circumference of a treatment section. Theplate-shaped parts are shaped such that they define both massagingelements 45 a and wall parts 45 b situated between the massagingelements 45 a of the treatment section. Preferably, the plate-shapedparts 45 are made from a flexible material, but it is also possible toproduce the plate-shaped parts 45 essentially rigid. The plate-shapedparts 45 are hingably coupled at an end 45 c with the remaining part ofthe treatment section. For a rigid arrangement of ring-shaped side walls47 relative to each other a number of bars 47 a extending transverselyto the plane of a side wall 47 to an opposite side wall 47 may beprovided. The bars 47 a may also serve as a point of attachment for endsof the plate-shaped parts 45, for which purpose an appropriate lockingknown as such may be provided. For fixing the position of eachplate-shaped part 45 relative to the side walls 47 between the hingablycoupled end 45 c and one of the bars 47 a, cams 49 may be provided towhich the plate-shaped parts 45 abut near their bending lines. At theiredges, the plate-shaped parts are provided with suitable sealing means,if necessary in relation to the massaging substance to be used in thetreatment section.

FIG. 1 d illustrates a modification of the embodiment according to FIG.1 c. According to FIG. 1 d, the plate-shaped elements 45 are completelyremovable. A fixing of the plate-shaped elements 45 to the side walls 47may for example be made at the location of the bars 47 a by means of oneor more speed couplings 51, which by the way may also be used in theembodiment of FIG. 1 c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the treatment sections can be displaced along theshaft 28 in the directions indicated by double arrow 50, for example forthe purpose of cleaning or maintenance, so that the treatment sectionsare readily accessible. In the embodiment shown, the treatment sections30 c and 30 d, and also the treatment sections 30 a and 30 b, areconnected to a support 52 with three spokes 54. The spokes 54 areconnected to a flat ring 56 which, on its outer circumference, bears thesets of toothing 32 and 38, respectively. The connection between atleast one of the supports 26 a, 26 b and the shaft 28 is releasable inorder for treatment sections to be removed or added as required.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hollow shaft 28 includes one ormore lines 60 which are in communication with one or more spray heads 62which are arranged releasably on the shaft 28, in one or more treatmentsections. One or more different massaging substances can be introducedinto a treatment section via the one or more lines 60. FIG. 3illustrates the spraying of a massaging liquid 63 into a treatmentsection, with a quantity of massaging liquid 63 present at the bottom ofthe treatment section. When the treatment section rotates about theshaft 28, in the direction indicated by arrow 64, the products 6 arecarried upwards by the massaging elements 40, and then, under the forceof gravity, slide back off the massaging elements 40 and tumble backdown into the massaging liquid 63. Arrow 66 illustrates this phenomenon,during which the products, as a result of dropping into the treatmentsection, undergo a mechanical treatment and take up massaging liquid 63.If no massaging substance is fed into the treatment section, amechanical treatment is all that takes place therein.

It will be clear that the spray head 62 or a similar arrangement canalso be used to clean the treatment section by introducing a cleaningagent into the treatment section after it has been used and then rinsingit.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b once again illustrate how the products 6 drop in atreatment section. An elongate, gutter-like discharge member 70, whichin FIG. 4 a is in an inactive position and in FIG. 4 b is in an activeposition, is arranged on one of the spokes 54. From the spoke 54, thedischarge member 70 extends substantially in the direction of the shaft28 to beyond an end of the treatment section. In the inactive position,the products 6 move past the discharge member 70. In the activeposition, in which an edge of the discharge member 70 bears against amassaging element 40, the products 6, when the treatment section ismoving in the direction indicated by the arrow 64, move into thedischarge member 70, as indicated by arrow 71. Under the force ofgravity, the products 6 slide along the discharge member 70 in thelongitudinal direction and move out of the treatment section, eitherinto a subsequent treatment section or onto the discharge line 4 (FIG.1).

The discharge member 70 is displaceably connected to the spoke 54, itbeing possible for a connecting pin 72 to move along the spoke 54, whilethe discharge member 70 can also pivot about the connecting pin 72. Thedischarge member 70 can be moved out of the inactive position into theactive position with the aid of an arm 74 which is connected to a rod76. The rod 76 can be used exclusively to actuate the discharge member70, but may also be coupled to one or more discharge members of othertreatment sections in order to actuate a plurality of discharge memberssimultaneously. A displacement of the rod 76 for the purpose ofactuating one or more discharge members takes place, for example, at anend of the massaging device 3 at the location of the support 26 a or 26b, as a result of one end of the rod 76 being brought into contact witha guide or the like, as indicated below, for example in FIGS. 6 a and 6b, by 102.

It will be clear that the discharge member 70 can be displaced betweenits inactive position and its active position in numerous differentways. A translational movement, a rotary movement or a combination ofthe two movements are possible. If the discharge member is mountedfixedly on the spoke 54 in the active position, the products will bedischarged from the treatment section after at most one revolution ofthe treatment section.

It is not essential for the discharge member 70 to interact with amassaging element 40; the discharge member 70 may also interact withanother wall part of the treatment section in order for products to beoptionally discharged from the treatment section.

FIG. 4 c shows a treatment section with a discharge member 70 a which issubstantially in gutter or scoop form and is at least in part providedwith perforations 71 which are situated in the bottom part, as seen inthe Figure, and two opposite side parts of the discharge member 70 a.When products 6 are being discharged through the discharge member 70 awhen the latter is in its active position, the perforations 71 make itpossible for excess massaging substance which has been entrained by theproducts 6 to be discharged back into the space of the treatment sectionvia the perforations 71.

The massaging elements 40 of the treatment section shown in FIG. 4 ccomprises V-shaped elements, the constituent plates of which arearranged at an angle of approx. 450 with respect to one another.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate an actuation of the discharge member 70with the aid of a piston-cylinder unit 50. The piston-cylinder unit 80is connected pivotably, about a pin 82, to a cam 84 which is fixedlyconnected to the spokes 54. An end of the piston rod 56 is connected, insuch a manner that it can pivot about a pin 88, to an arm 90 arranged onthe discharge member 70. As a result of the piston-cylinder unit 80being energized in a suitable way via an energizing line 92 guidedinside the shaft 28, the discharge member 70 is moved into its inactiveor active position, as indicated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, respectively. Asa result of various discharge members of various treatment sectionsbeing coupled to one another, for example by means of a rod, a singlepiston-cylinder unit 80 for actuation of a plurality of dischargemembers suffices.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate an actuation of the discharge member 70with the aid of a cam track mechanism 94. For this purpose, thedischarge member 70 is provided with an arm 96, on which a wheel 98 isarranged in such a manner that it can rotate freely. The wheel 98 isguided in a cam track 100 of an actuating plate 102. The actuating plate102 can be rotated about the shaft 28, independently of the movement ofthe treatment section, from the position shown in FIG. 6 a into theposition shown in FIG. 6 b, with the result that the discharge member 70is moved from its inactive position into its active position. If variousdischarge members of various treatment sections are coupled to oneanother, for example by a rod, a single cam track mechanism 94 foractuation of a plurality of discharge members suffices.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate an operating principle in which thedischarge member 70 is in an inactive position when the treatmentsection rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 110, while thedischarge member 70 is in an active position when the treatment sectionrotates in the direction indicated by arrow 64. In this case, thedischarge member 70 can be actuated via the connecting pin 72, forexample by means of a guide in the form of the guide plate 102 which hasalready been shown with reference to FIGS. 6 a and 6 b.

In this embodiment with alternating directions of rotation, it is alsopossible for the discharge member 70 to be mounted in a fixed positionon the spoke 74, in the position shown in FIG. 7 b. In that case, whenthe treatment section rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow110, no products 6 will be discharged from the treatment section, unlikethe situation when it rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 64.

Since the discharge member can be moved into the inactive or the activeposition as desired, it is possible to select a treatment time in atreatment section which is optimal. If the actuation of each dischargemember is selected to be independent of that of the other dischargemembers, the treatment in each treatment section can be carried outindependently of the treatments in the other treatment sections. Thisresults in a very flexible massaging device which can operatecontinuously and in-line.

The arrangement which is shown in FIG. 8 substantially corresponds tothat shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 diagrammatically indicates that a computeror other control device 120 can move discharge members 124 into anactive or inactive position, via one or more electric, hydraulic orpneumatic lines, symbolized by dashed lines 122, in order for productsto be discharged from a treatment section and fed to a subsequenttreatment section or for products to be discharged from the massagingdevice 3. Furthermore, the control device can be used to control thedrive motor 34 and any other drives of other treatment sections. Signalswhich, for example, contain information about the timing of theactuation of the discharge members 124 or about a parameter which hasbeen measured in or outside the massaging device and influences thecontrol of the discharge members 124 or the drive motor 34, can be fedto the control device 120 via a line 126.

In some of the following Figures, a discharge member has been omittedfor the sake of clarity yet may nevertheless in actual fact be present.

FIGS. 9 a-9 e show (a part of) a massaging device with asemi-cylindrical lower wall 101, which at two ends is connected to endwalls 103 with a semi-circular shaped upper edge. Together the lowerwall 101 and the end walls 103 form a tank 105 in which three treatmentsections are formed by two semi-ring shaped partitions 107. In eachtreatment section, treatment means 109 are arranged. Each of thetreatment means 109 comprise two support rings 111, which are providedalong their circumference with fingers for carrying scoop-shaped paddles113, for creating connections between support rings 111 of differenttreatment means 109, and for mounting a number of grooved wheels 115which in turn mount the treatment means 109 in rings 117. Such rings 117preferably are situated at the location of the end walls 103, andpossibly also at the location of the partitions 107. Of course, it isalso possible to mount the wheels 115 directly on the semi-circularshaped upper edges of the end walls 103 and/or the partitions 107, usingthe force of gravity. In that case, the rings 117 are absent.

The tank 105 may be provided with one or more discharges 105 a forremoving massaging substances from the treatment sections, e.g. for acleaning of the massaging device.

The paddles 113 primarily are intended to be moved in the direction ofarrow 119. The plane of the paddles 113 is at an angle to the (tangentto the) direction 119 of movement of the paddles 113. Thus, the paddles113 can take products to be treated along over some distance, afterwhich the products fall off the paddles 113 again by the changingorientation of the paddles 113.

As shown in particular in FIG. 9 b, the massaging device may be providedwith a lid 121 which, along a lower edge thereof, is hingably connectedto the tank 105, and is provided with a window. It is also indicated howthe treatment means 109 can be driven in rotation at an end of themassaging device: one or more of the wheels 115 and/or fingers of theadjacent support ring 111 are connected to a toothed ring 123 withexternal toothing. An electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor 125 drivesa gear-wheel 127 engaging the toothed ring 123. A single drive sufficesfor the complete massaging device if the treatment means 109 of thevarious treatment sections are connected to each other. Of course, inother cases the treatment means of each treatment section may be drivenseparately.

As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 9 c, 9 d and 9 e, a simplemaintenance and a simple cleaning of the massaging device are possibleby virtue of the provision of the hingable lid 121 (FIG. 9 c), thepossibility to move the treatment means 109 of one or more treatmentsections relative to the tank 105 and to possibly take them out of themassaging device (FIG. 9 d) essentially in the direction indicated bythe arrow(s), and to remove the partitions 107 from the tank 105 (FIG. 9e). The treatment means 109 can for example be moved by human power, anexternal lifting device, or a manipulator. Also a provision, such as alever construction, can be made to the massaging device itself formoving one or more of the treatment means 109 with respect to the tank105.

FIG. 10 a illustrates a position of a paddle 113 relative to the lowerwall 101. An edge of the paddle 113, preferably made from a flexible andwear-resistant material, at least partially is in contact with the lowerwall 101, causing both the products 6 and the massaging substance 63 infront of the paddle 113 to be stowed up and taken along at a movement ofthe paddle 113 in the direction of the arrow 119, just to fall downagain via the opposite edge of the paddle 113 after some distance, afterthe paddle 113 has passed a horizontal orientation.

When the paddles 113 are moved in an opposite direction to the oneindicated by the arrow 119, massaging substances, such as liquids orgranular or pulverulent solids, collecting in the tank 105 at the wallthereof can be removed from a treatment section, for example through adischarge 105 b which can be closed in a manner which is not shown infurther detail.

FIG. 10 b shows in more detail again the situation at the edge of thepaddle 113 which is in contact with the lower wall 101. FIG. 10 c showsanother position of said edge with respect to the lower wall 101, inwhich the edge is situated at a predetermined distance from the lowerwall, such that the massaging substance 63 can pass the paddle 113, butthe products 6 cannot pass the paddle 113. Thus it is possible to bringabout a separation between the products 6 and the massaging substance63.

FIG. 10 d and 10 e show two paddle forms which differ in details. Theembodiment according to FIG. 10 d is similar to the one shown in FIGS. 9a-10 b. The leading edge of the paddle 113 essentially is in contactwith the lower wall 101. Upright side walls of the paddle 113 meetpartitions 107 (or end walls 103) of the massaging device with a smallclearance.

The paddle 113 a according to FIG. 10 e tapers towards the trailing edgethereof, and the trailing edge forms part of an upright wall part. Thisconfiguration provides for a better transfer of products and possiblemassaging substance from the paddle 113 a to a discharge memberassociated with the corresponding treatment section.

FIG. 10 f illustrates a hinging arrangement of a paddle 113 b relativeto the lower wall 101. At the location of connections 131, the paddle113 b is hingably coupled to the rings 111. At the location ofconnections 133, the paddle 113 b is hingably coupled to threaded bars135, which extend through openings of supports 137, and are providedwith locking nuts 139. Pressure springs 141 are provided on the threadedbars 135 between the connections 133 and the supports 137. Thus, thepaddle 113 b is tilted in the direction of the arrow, and the leadingedge of the paddle 113 b is biased against the lower wall 101. Withthese measures, one achieves in particular that the dimensional and formtolerances of the components of the massaging device, in particularthose of the lower wall 101, can be relatively large without influencingthe operation of the massaging device in a negative manner: the leadingedge of the paddle 113 b follows the lower wall 101.

FIG. 11 shows a treatment section 130 which can rotate about a hollowshaft 132, in the direction indicated by arrow 134. In the shaft 132 aline 136 is accommodated which at the location of the treatment section130 branches into two lines 136 a and 136 b which are led through thewall of the shaft 132. A perforated spray head 138 is secured to the endof each line 136 a, 136 b, with valves 140 from which a medium suppliedthrough the line 136 can be blow out or sprayed over products 142located in the treatment section 130. The medium used may be air, carbondioxide, nitrogen or another gas or gas mixture, or a liquid, such aswater, or a pulverulent substance, with a predetermined temperature (forcooling, for example for the purpose of causing a layer of ice to formon the products 142, or heating). The valves 140 are directedsubstantially downwards, since the products 142, while the treatmentsection 130 is operating, as a result of the force of gravity willcollect substantially in the bottom part of the treatment section 130and can then be reached directly by the treatment medium.

FIG. 12 a shows a structure of a treatment section 144 which has aperipheral wall 148 which is partially provided with perforations 146.The treatment section 144 can rotate about a hollow shaft 150 withrespect to a chamber 152 which is arranged in a fixed position withrespect to the shaft 150 along a section of the peripheral wall 148. Thechamber has a feed line 154, from which a gas, such air, or apulverulent substance can be introduced at a predetermined temperatureinto the chamber 152 and moved again via the perforations 146 into thetreatment section 144, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 12 a. Thechamber 152 preferably extends along the underside of the treatmentsection 144, since this is where the products which are to be treatedwill be located during operation, so that they are reached directly bythe gas or the powder, for example in order for the products to becooled or frozen.

FIG. 12 b shows a treatment section 144 a with a similar function as theone which has been discussed above in relation to FIG. 12 a. However, inthe case of FIG. 12 b the peripheral wall 148 a and the chamber 152 arestationary, while the paddles 113 which fixed to the rings 111 rotate inthe direction of the arrow 119. Although in the Figure the completeperipheral wall 148 a is provided with perforations 146, theperforations 146 can also be limited for example to the area of theperipheral wall 148 a which bounds the chamber 152.

FIG. 13 shows a structure of a treatment section 156 which can rotateabout a hollow shaft 158. A chamber 162 which contains a liquid, such aswater, at a defined temperature, is arranged in a fixed position withrespect to the shaft 158 along a section of the closed peripheral wall160 of the treatment section 156. Heat can be extracted from or suppliedto that section of the peripheral wall 160 which is in contact with theliquid by the liquid in order for the products located in the bottompart of the treatment section 156 to be cooled/frozen or heatedaccordingly. If desired, the chamber 162 may be provided with inlets andoutlets (not shown in more detail) in order to change the liquid. Inaddition, by way of example, cooling devices or heating devices (notshown in FIG. 13) may be positioned in the liquid.

FIG. 14 shows a treatment section 164 which can rotate about a hollowshaft 166. A peripheral wall 168 is partially provided with perforations170, similar to those shown in FIG. 10. Along a section of theperipheral wall 168, a chamber 172 is arranged in a fixed position withrespect to the hollow shaft 166. The chamber 172 contains a liquid, suchas water, which is at a defined temperature. The liquid flows via theperforations 170 into the treatment section 164 and thus comes intodirect contact with products 174 located in the treatment section 164,in order to clean and/or cool and/or heat these products. If desired,the chamber 172 may be provided with inlets and outlets (not shown inmore detail) in order for the liquid to be changed. In addition, by wayof example, cooling devices or heating devices (not shown in FIG. 14)may be positioned in the liquid.

FIG. 15 a shows a treatment section 176 which can rotate about a hollowshaft 178. In the shaft 178 there is a line 180 which leads through thewall of the shaft 178 and at one end is provided with a spray head 182.A peripheral wall 184 of the treatment section 176 is provided on theinner side with needles 186. Products 188 which are located in thetreatment section 176, in the event of a rotation of the treatmentsection, tumble over needles 186, in the direction indicated by arrow190, with the result that the structure of the products 188 at and belowthe outer surface thereof changes. This promotes uptake of a massagingsubstances (gas, liquid (for example brine) or powder), which is sprayedtowards the products 188 through the line 180 and via the spray head182.

FIG. 15 b shows a treatment section 192 which can rotate about a hollowshaft 194, in the direction indicated by arrow 195. A massagingsubstance (gas, liquid or powder) can be sprayed towards the bottom partof the treatment section 192 via a line 198 which is provided with aspray head 196 and is in communication with the interior of the shaft194. Needles 202, of which a first end projects through the peripheralwall 200 and an opposite, second end bears a thickened portion 204, arearranged on sections of a peripheral wall 200 of the treatment section192. The needles 202 are supported in a manner which is not shown inmore detail but is such that they can move substantially transverselywith respect to the surface of the peripheral wall 200, spring means 206being provided for the purpose of forcing the needles 202 largely out ofthe treatment section 192. A guide element 208 is arranged fixedly withrespect to the shaft 194, with a guide surface 210 which, as seen in thedirection indicated by the arrow 195, is at a gradually decreasingdistance from the peripheral wall 200.

When the treatment section 192 rotates in the direction indicated by thearrow 195, the thickened portions 204 of the needles 202 come intocontact with the guide surface 210 and the needles 202 are graduallydriven into the treatment section 192. After they have passed the guideelement 208, the spring means 206 force the needles back outwards. Theneedles 202 which have been driven into the treatment section by theguide element 208 change the structure at and/or below the surface ofproducts situated at that location, in order to improve the action oruptake of the massaging substance coming out of the line 198.

FIG. 15 c shows a treatment section 214 which can rotate about a fixedhollow shaft 216. In the shaft 216 there is a line 218 which is guidedthrough the wall of the shaft 216 into an injection device 220, which isfixedly connected to the shaft 216. The injection device 220 comprises anumber of needles 222 which can be moved into and out of the injectiondevice 220 in a manner which is not shown in more detail. The needles222 are moved into the injection device 220 as they move past themassaging elements 40, and are moved out of the injection device 220between the passage of two successive massaging elements 40. The needles222 may be hollow in order to inject a substance supplied via the line218 into products.

FIGS. 15 d and 15 e show a treatment section 192 a with a similarfunction as the one which has been discussed above in relation to FIG.15 b. However, in the case of FIG. 15 d the peripheral wall 200 a isarranged stationary, just like a needle unit 141 with which one or moreneedles 145 can be taken into and out of the treatment section 192 athrough perforations 143 in the peripheral wall 200 a. The paddles 113which are fixed to the rings 111 rotate in the direction of the arrow119. The needles 145 are taken outside the treatment section at the timewhen the paddles 113 pass the perforations 143, and can be taken intothe treatment section through the perforations 143 in between thepassages of the paddles 113. Products which are in the area of theperforations 143 thus are subjected to a penetration of the needles 145which is not only a result of the operation of the force of gravity(products fall onto needle points), but also is a result of the movementof the needles 145 into the treatment section (needle points are forcedinto the products). The displacement of the needles 145 relative to theperipheral wall 200 a takes place by means of one or more actuators notshown in further detail. It is possible, for example, to drive eachneedle 145 or set of needles 145 separately. A possibility indicated inFIG. 15 d with dashed lines is to provide the needle unit 141 withfixedly arranged needles 145, and to connect the needle unit 141 throughone or more arms 221 with a hinge axis 223 for moving the needle unit141 by actuation of an actuator not shown in further detail in thedirections of the double arrow 225.

FIG. 16 shows a treatment section 226 which can rotate in the directionindicated by arrow 228 about a fixed, hollow shaft 230. An arm 234 whichcan be extended and retracted telescopically, in the directionsindicated by double arrow 232, with the aid of means which are now shownin more detail, is fixed to the shaft 230. One end of the arm 234 isprovided with a number of rotatable blades 236 which, with the aid ofthe arm 234, can be moved onto or almost onto the inner side of aperipheral wall 238 of the treatment section 226 and can be moved to adistance from the inner side of the peripheral wall 238. A plate 242,which can be moved in the directions indicated by double arrow 240 withthe aid of means which are not shown in more detail, is also arranged onthe arm 234. Thus, a free end 244 of the plate 242 can be moved onto oralmost onto the inner side of the peripheral wall 23B and to a distancetherefrom. The energy for and control of the movements of the arm 234and the plate 242 are supplied via the interior of the shaft 230 vialines 231.

When the treatment section 226 is being used, it is in the firstinstance rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 228, during whichmovement the blades 236 are moved onto the inner side of the peripheralwall 238 and the end 244 of the plate 242 is moved to a distance fromthe peripheral wall 238. In this way, products 246 are cut into strips246 a. Then, the treatment section 226 is rotated in the reversedirection, during which process the blades 236 are moved to a distancefrom the inner side of the peripheral wall 238 and the end 244 of theplate 242 is moved onto the peripheral wall 238. In this way, the strips246 a are scraped off the inner side of the peripheral wall 238 and canbe discharged from the treatment section 226, for example with the aidof a discharge member (not shown in more detail) or with the aid of theplate 242.

FIG. 17 shows a treatment section 250 which can rotate, in the directionindicated by arrow 252, about a fixed shaft 254. An arm 258 which can beextended and retracted telescopically in the directions indicated bydouble arrow 256 with the aid of means which are not shown in moredetail is fixed to the shaft 254. One end of the arm 258 is providedwith a roller 260 which is provided with grooves, is mounted so that itcan rotate freely and, with the aid of the arm 258, can be moved onto orto a short distance from the inner side of a peripheral wall 262 of thetreatment section 250 and can be moved to a distance from the inner sideof the peripheral wall 262. A discharge member 266, which can be movedin the directions indicated by double arrow 264 with the aid of meanswhich are not shown in more detail, is also arranged on the arm 258. Afree end 268 of the discharge member 266 can thus be moved onto or closeto the inner side of the peripheral wall 262 and to a distancetherefrom. The energy for and control of the movements of the arm 258and the discharge member 266 are supplied via the interior of the shaft254 via lines 255.

When the treatment section 250 is being used, it is in the firstinstance rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 252, during whichprocess the roller 260 is moved towards the inner side of the peripheralwall 262 and the end 268 of the discharge member 266 is moved to adistance from the peripheral wall 262. In this way, products 270 aresubjected to alternating mechanical loads and as a result—in the case ofmeat—are tenderized. Then, the treatment section 250 is rotated in theopposite direction, during which process the roller 260 is moved to adistance from the inner side of the peripheral wall 262, and the end 268of the discharge member 266 is moved towards the peripheral wall 262. Inthis way, the tenderized products 270 are scraped off the inner side ofthe peripheral wall 262 and can be discharged from the treatment section250 with the aid of the discharge member 266.

FIG. 18 a shows a treatment section 272 which can rotate about a fixedshaft 274. A peripheral wall 276 of the treatment section 272 isprovided with perforations 278. Above the treatment section 272 there isformed a chamber 280 which is open on the side of the peripheral wall276. In the treatment section 272, side walls 282 and 284 of the chamber280 are adjoined by walls 286, 288, 290 and 292. The latter walls 286and 288 are fixed, in a manner which is not shown in more detail, withrespect to the shaft 274, while the walls 290 and 292 are fixedlyconnected to the shaft 274 by means of a support 294. Beneath thetreatment section 272 there is formed a collection chamber 296 which isopen at the top.

In operation, a pulverulent substance, such as flour, is placed in thechamber 280. The substance reaches the interior of the treatment section272 via the perforations 278 and is guided by the walls 286-292 towardsgaps between the walls 286 and 290 and between the walls 288 and 292,where the substance drops down in two streams onto products 298 whichare located substantially in the bottom part of the treatment section272. Some of the substance adheres to the products 298, and a furtherpart of the substance leaves the treatment section 272 via theperforations 278, ending up in the collection chamber 296 from which itis discharged.

FIG. 18 b shows a treatment section 272 a with a similar function as theone discussed above in relation to FIG. 18 a. However, in the case ofFIG. 18 b the peripheral wall 276 a and the chamber 296 are stationary,while the paddles 113 which are fixed to the rings 111 rotate in thedirection of the arrow 119. Although in the Figure the completeperipheral wall 276 a is provided with perforations 278, theperforations 278 can also be limited to the area of the peripheral wall276 a which is situated near the chamber 296.

FIG. 19 a shows a treatment section 300 which can rotate about a shaft302. A peripheral wall 304 of the treatment section 300 is locallyprovided with perforations 306. Outside the treatment section 300, afirst chamber 308 and a second chamber 310 are formed, which chambers308, 310 are open on their side which faces the peripheral wall 304. Thechambers 308, 310 are in communication with lines 312 and 314,respectively.

In operation, in the case of a rotating treatment section 300, apulverulent substance, such as flour, is blown into the chamber 308 viathe line 312. As the perforations 306 move past the chamber 308, thesubstance will move into the treatment section 300, where it adheres toproducts located in the treatment section 300. The line 314 and thechamber 310 can act in the same way as the line 312 and the chamber 308.The direction of flow of the substance in the line 314 may also be thereverse of that in line 312, i.e. towards the treatment section 300 inthe line 312 and away from the treatment section 300 in the line 314. Itis also possible for the direction of flow of the substance in the line314 to be towards the treatment section 300, and in the line 312 to beaway from the treatment section 300.

FIG. 19 b shows a treatment section 300 a having a similar function asthe one discussed above in relation to FIG. 19 a. However, in the caseof FIG. 19 b the peripheral wall 304 a and the chambers 308 and 310 arestationary, while the paddles 113 which are fixed to the rings 111rotate in the direction of the arrow 119. The perforations 306 arelimited to the areas of the peripheral wall 304 a bounding the chambers308 and 310.

FIG. 20 shows a similar arrangement to that shown in FIG. 19 a, with apulverulent substance, such as flour, being blown into a chamber 324 viaa line 322, which chamber 324 is open on its side which faces theperipheral wall 304 of the treatment section 300 in order for thesubstance to be supplied to the treatment section 300 via theperforations 306, so that it can adhere to products located in thetreatment section 300. Surplus substance located in the bottom part ofthe treatment section 300 passes via the perforations 306 into areceptacle 326, from which it can be discharged.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 21, a pulverulent or granular substanceis fed to the treatment section 300 from a vibrating chute 330 via anopening in the treatment section 300. As an alternative to a vibratingchute, it is also possible to use vibrating belt, the belt conveying thepulverulent or granular substance to the treatment section 300.

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate various ways of supplying products to a massagingdevice 3, also known as metering.

FIG. 22 illustrates how a worker 340 places products 6 from a container342 onto a conveyor belt 12 moving in the direction indicated by arrow344, after which the products 6, via the gutter 16, reach a treatmentsection 30 a of the massaging device 3.

FIG. 23 illustrates a supply of products 6 into receptacles 348, whichare advanced in the direction indicated by arrow 346, of a receptacleconveyor 350. The receptacle conveyor 350 comprises a weighing device(not shown in more detail) and is also provided with means for tilting areceptacle 348 at the location of a chute 352 if the weight of theproduct 6 located in the corresponding receptacle is equal to apredetermined weight. When the receptacle 348 is tilted, the product 6slides via the chute 352 onto the conveyor belt 12, by means of whichthe product is fed to the massaging device 3.

FIG. 24 shows a section of a filleting line, in which fillets 360 aremoved in the direction indicated by arrow 364 with the aid of suitableconveyor means 362. When it passes a chute 366, a fillet 360 is releasedfrom the associated conveyor means 362, after which the fillet 360slides via the chute 366 onto the conveyor belt 12 and is fed onwards tothe massaging device 3.

FIG. 25 shows a belt conveyor 370 with a shelved belt 374 with raisedwalls 376 which is moving in the direction indicated by arrow 372. Aproduct 6 is located between two successive walls 376. The shelved belt374 is arranged in such a manner that the products 6, at the end oftheir conveying by the shelved belt 374, move onto the conveyor belt 12and are fed onwards to the massaging device.

FIG. 26 shows a graph in which three curves are plotted to illustratethe action of the massaging device; the curves represent (on thevertical axis) the uptake of brine in pieces of meat in percentages byweight or volume plotted against a distance in metres (plotted on thehorizontal axis) covered by the pieces of meat in the massaging device.The distance covered is the distance which a product covers by rolling,sliding and/or dropping in the treatment section. The first curve, whichis indicated by triangular symbols, represents the uptake of brine iften times the required quantity of brine is metered into the treatmentsection, while the second curve, which is indicated by diamond symbols,represents the uptake of brine in the event of matched, correct meteringof brine in the treatment section. The third curve, which is indicatedby squares, represents the uptake of brine if in the first instance anexcess of brine is used but this quantity is reduced in a subsequentstage. It can be seen that in this way the uptake of brine whichaccording to the second curve is only achieved after a distance of 450metres has been covered is achieved after just 180 metres has beencovered according to the third curve.

Therefore, the same result can be achieved with a greatly reducedtreatment time by in the first instance using an excess of brine and inthe second instance using a lower quantity of brine. The quantity ofbrine therefore represents a controlling factor in achieving the desireduptake of brine. Therefore, in a first treatment section an excess ofbrine can be used, for a rapid initial uptake of brine in that section,and in a subsequent treatment section a suitably matched quantity ofbrine can be used, in order to achieve a desired final value for theuptake of brine in this subsequent section. It is also possible for anexcess of brine to be reduced by removing brine from the treatmentsection.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in its preferredembodiments, it should be understood that departures may be madetherefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not limited to thedetails disclosed herein.

1-47. (canceled)
 48. A device for treating products comprising at leasta first treatment section and a second treatment section through whichthe products pass in succession, wherein each of the first and secondtreatment sections comprises: a. treatment means for treating theproducts in the treatment section; and b. a discharge means fordischarging the products from the treatment section, wherein thedischarge means of the first treatment section can be brought into anactive and an inactive operating state, wherein in the active operatingstate the discharge means of the first treatment section dischargesproducts from the first treatment section into the second treatmentsection.
 49. The device of claim 48, wherein each of the first andsecond treatment means is rotatable about an axis of rotation.
 50. Thedevice of claim 49, wherein each of the first and second treatment meansis rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation.
 51. Thedevice of claim 49, wherein the discharge means of at least one of thefirst or second treatment sections is configured to discharge theproducts after one revolution of the treatment means.
 52. The device ofclaim 48, wherein each of the first and second treatment sectionscomprises a drum.
 53. The device of claim 52, wherein each drum isrotatable about an axis of rotation.
 54. The device of claim 48, whereinthe discharge means of the second treatment section can be brought intoan active and an inactive operating state.
 55. The device of claim 54,further comprising at least one actuating device for moving thedischarge means of the first and second treatment sections between anactive and inactive operating state.
 56. The device of claim 55, whereinthe at least one actuating device is designed to move the dischargedevice of the second treatment section into an active operating state inorder for the second treatment section to be emptied of products beforemoving the discharge means of the first treatment section into an activeoperating state.
 57. The device of claim 55, wherein the at least oneactuating device is designed to move the discharge means of the firstand second treatment sections into active operating states atsubstantially the same time.
 58. The device of claim 55, wherein each ofthe first and second treatment sections is provided with its ownactuating device.
 59. The device of claim 48, wherein the treatmentmeans of the first and second treatment sections comprise a commonbearing.
 60. The device of claim 48, wherein the treatment means of thefirst and second treatment sections are mounted on the same shaft. 61.The device of claim 48, wherein the treatment means of the first andsecond treatment sections are rotatable about a common rotational axis.62. The device of claim 48, wherein at least one of the first or secondtreatment sections comprises a wall that is at least partly removable.63. The device of claim 48, wherein the first and second treatmentsections are connected together.
 64. The device of claim 48, wherein thedischarge means of at least one of the first or second treatmentsections comprises a product-guiding part, a discharge end of which islocated outside of the at least one of the first or second treatmentsections.
 65. The device of claim 48, wherein the discharge means of thefirst treatment section extends from a position inside the firsttreatment section to a position inside the second treatment section. 66.The device of claim 48, wherein the discharge means of the firsttreatment section extends from a first end wall of the first treatmentsection through an opening in a second end wall of the first treatmentsection opposite the first end wall and through an opening in a firstend wall of the second treatment section and into the second treatmentsection.
 67. The device of claim 48, wherein the discharge means of eachof the first and second treatment sections is adapted to discharge theentirety of the products within each of the first and second treatmentsections.
 68. The device of claim 48, further comprising at least onesubstance feed means for supplying at least one substance to at leastone of the first or second treatment sections.
 69. The device of claim68, wherein the at least one substance feed means is capable ofsupplying a first substance to the first treatment section and a secondsubstance to the second treatment section.
 70. The device of claim 48,wherein the device is configured to prevent products in the firsttreatment section from contacting products in the second treatmentsection.
 71. The device of claim 48, wherein the treatment means of thefirst treatment section is configured to move differently than thetreatment means of the second treatment section.
 72. The device of claim71, wherein the treatment means of the first treatment section and thetreatment means of the second treatment section move at differentspeeds.
 73. The device of claim 71, wherein the treatment means of thefirst treatment section and the treatment means of the second treatmentsection move in different directions.
 74. The device of claim 48,wherein the treatment means of the first treatment section is shapeddifferently than the treatment means of the second treatment section.75. The device of claim 48, further comprising a portioning devicepositioned upstream of the first treatment section for converting asupply of meat products into portions of meat products for feeding intothe first treatment section.
 76. The device of claim 48, wherein thedevice is configured to: a) separate products from a substance fortreating the products in a treatment section; b) discharge the productsfrom the treatment section; and c) leave a substantial part of thesubstance in the treatment section or return a substantial part of thesubstance to the treatment section.
 77. A method for treating productscomprising: a) providing a device for treating products, the devicecomprising at least a first treatment section and a second treatmentsection through which the products pass in succession, wherein each ofthe first and second treatment sections comprises: i. treatment meansfor treating the products in the treatment section; and ii. a dischargemeans for discharging the products from the treatment section, whereinthe discharge means of the first treatment section can be brought intoan active and an inactive operating state, wherein in the activeoperating state the discharge means of the first treatment sectiondischarges products from the first treatment section into the secondtreatment section; b) supplying products to the first treatment section;c) treating the products in the first treatment section; and d) movingthe discharge means of the first treatment section into the activeoperating state, thereby discharging the products from the firsttreatment section into the second treatment section.
 78. The method ofclaim 77, wherein treating the products in the first treatment sectioncomprises rotating the treatment means of the first treatment section.79. The method of claim 78, wherein the treatment means are rotatedabout a substantially horizontal axis of rotation.
 80. The method ofclaim 78, wherein the discharge means of the first treatment sectiondischarges the products after one revolution of the treatment means. 81.The method of claim 77, wherein discharging the products from the firsttreatment section into the second treatment section comprisesdischarging the entirety of the products from the first treatmentsection into the second treatment section.
 82. The method of claim 77,wherein each of the first and second treatment sections comprises a drumand wherein treating the products in the first treatment sectioncomprises rotating the drum about an axis of rotation.
 83. The method ofclaim 77, wherein the device further comprises at least one actuatingdevice for moving the discharge means of the first and second treatmentsections into an active operating state.
 84. The method of claim 83,wherein the at least one actuating device moves the discharge means ofthe second treatment section into an active operating state in order forthe second treatment section to be emptied of products prior to movingthe discharge means of the first treatment section into an activeoperating state.
 85. The method of claim 83, wherein the at least oneactuating device moves the discharge means of the first and secondtreatment sections into their active operating states at substantiallythe same time.
 86. The method of claim 77, further comprising treatingthe products in the second treatment section, wherein treating theproducts in the first and second treatment sections comprises moving thetreatment means of the first and second treatment sections respectively.87. The method of claim 86, wherein the treatment means of the first andsecond treatment sections rotate about a common rotational axis.
 88. Themethod of claim 77, wherein: a. the discharge means of the firsttreatment section is mounted in a fixed position relative to thetreatment means of the first treatment section; b. treating the productsin the first treatment section comprises rotating the treatment means ofthe first treatment section in a first direction; and c. moving thedischarge means of the first treatment section into an active operatingstate comprises rotating the treatment means of the first treatmentsection in a second direction opposite the first direction.
 89. Themethod of claim 77, wherein treating the products in the first treatmentsection comprises mixing the products with a substance and whereindischarging the products from the first treatment section furthercomprises separating the products from the substance such that asubstantial part of the substance remains in the first treatment sectionor is returned to the first treatment section.